Trailer Questions

Noodlearm · Apr 25, 2007

Hi all, I recently (last weekend) had my trailer stolen. Unfortunately I did not have a rider for it and it was not on my property when it was stolen so I will not recieve anything from insurance. I am looking to purchase another and was wondering if anyone knew of a manufacture that makes them with 5th wheel hitches as opposed to a gooseneck hitch. I am looking into buyiing a 5th wheel camper in the future and figure it would be easier to have a trailer with the same hitch. I have seen a few combo hitches but from what I have seen, they don't offer any combo hitches that sliude and since I have a short bed, I think I would need a sliding 5th wheel hitch. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Farmwithjunk · Apr 25, 2007

B&W makes a 5th wheel that attaches to the gooseneck hitch that would be mounted on the truck to accomodate a 5th wheel for pulling a camper. It uses the socket where the ball would normally be to hold the 5th wheel. That would allow you to retain the correct gooseneck hitch on the flatbed, and still use a 5th wheel on your camper. No "odd-ball" set-up that way.

Bird · Apr 25, 2007

I know you can buy an adapter to change the fifth-wheel hitch on your RV to a gooseneck hitch, but I'm not sure about going the other way. I think I'd just call some of the manufacturers. It wouldn't surprise me if several were willing to put whichever hitch you wanted on their trailers.

mike223 · Apr 25, 2007

I can attest that the B&W is the way to go. Although I don't have a 5th wheel trailer yet, I do have a 24' deckover gooseneck, and the setup on the combo hitch is very clean. Flip over the ball and you have a flat truck bed. Take it out to mount the 5th wheel attachment. Best of all worlds.

Ranch_Hand_Supp · Apr 26, 2007

I am dealer for B&W B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.

They are really nice hitches .... I install more than I drop ship.

The best for both applications ......... never had a complaint.

Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

Noodlearm · Apr 26, 2007

Thanks for all the help. I figured there had to be some solution. The B&W hitch that you are referring to, is this compatible with shortbeds. I noticed that arounf here, most shortbeds have sliders and was wondering if this solution still allows that?

Ranch_Hand_Supp · Apr 26, 2007

Don't know what make/brand/model truck you have ?? but generaly speaking......

6 1/2 ft short bed ......... yes,for 5th wheel

6 1/2 ft short bed .......... yes, for ball with part number 4085, [Gooseneck Extender, moves ball back 4 inches]

5 1/2 ft short bed ........ yes, for ball only with extender. No for 5th wheel.

Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

Noodlearm · Apr 26, 2007

I have a Dodge Ram Mega Cab, I believe the bed is 6'3". Again thanks for all the help.

schiker · May 17, 2007

I don't think I have seen a "farm" flatbed/dovetail gooseneck trailer with fifth wheel.

I figure (don't know for sure) its that the ball hitch gooseneck can articulate through more of an angle w/o binding thus more for offroad "farming" use than a fifth wheel which is normally RV on road or in realitively level campground. I have seen a couple of car wedges with fifth wheel. Lots of trailer mfg' ers. I would bet many would be happy to quote you what you want. Depending on trailer coupler there is probably an adapter on market already. I would think it would be pretty easy to weld on a plate/kingpin to the height adjustment sleeve piece. Buy an extra coupler and you could probably switch it back when you need a ball coupler.